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BORN
1963
DIED
2015
Christopher Willingham Obituary
Born in Laconia, Dec. 21, 1963, he was the son of Calder Willingham Jr. and Jane B. Willingham Smith. Christopher grew up in the town of New Hampton and attended the New Hampton Community School. He graduated from New Hampton School and earned a Bachelor degree in Computer Science from Plymouth State University.
Christopher worked for Liberty Mutual in Portsmouth, where he was a Technologist, a job which required him to understand how software and hardware components work so he could help design systems that perform well and are easily understood. Chris loved the outdoors – hiking up to Herman Chase's cabin, winter camping, riding his mountain bike with friends, skiing back trails and downhill trails. When he moved to York, he became fascinated with scuba diving and returned to shore with many "treasures." He also loved music, especially the saxophone. His motorcycle, too, was a great pride and joy. This October, Chris had just finished a complete overhaul of his machine.
Chris also had a great love for and understanding of children, especially his nieces and nephews, and most especially, his daughter, Ellery, whom he visited frequently in Salt Lake City. He will be remembered for his unusual sense of humor and his love of life.
He is survived by his daughter, Ellery; his mother, his three brothers and two sisters, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
A Celebration of Chris' life will be held Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at the New Hampton Community Church, Church Lane, New Hampton.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donation may be made in memory of Chris to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy St., Boston, MA 02108 or via their website www.outdoors.org/tribute.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Willingham
Sponsored by Ellery Willingham.
Ellery
October 7, 2021
Missing Dad more than ever, it has been a very lonely six years trying to navigate the rest of my twenties without him. Will always feel him close to me, very thankful for that, and that his great qualities live on through me. As time continues to pass by, I wanted to say I would love if anyone would like to reach out and share stories about my dad, photos, videos (anything!) or just sympathetic words - [email protected]. Thanks all.
Allison Smith
October 7, 2020
Dear Willingham family, I’m thinking about you all, especially Chris’s most amazing daughter Ellery. I don’t think the heart is ever the same after losing someone so dear. You are in my prayers. I remember Chris will much love, and also gratitude for his personality, and his sense of humor.
El
July 31, 2018
Still missing and thinking of you every single day, Dad. Love you so much.
Maria Cannon
March 29, 2016
Chris was a dear friend- this I know- he loved his daughter, he loved to hike the whites, and he was searching for meaning in life. He was not easygoing - but loved with knowing life was precious- existentialist, father. Rest in peace Chris
November 26, 2015
Thinking of my brother Chris on Thanksgiving Day. I'm grateful for his encouragement to take risks, his sense of humor and the many acts of kindness he gave as gifts to family and friends. Chris helped provide perspective and support during a difficult crossroad in my life, and my path is forever changed because of him.
Stephanie Schultz
November 2, 2015
I send my sincere condolences, prayers and hopes of healing for all the Willinghams. Please know that Chris, as well as your entire family, remain in my prayers.
Carolyn Worthen
October 28, 2015
Love and sympathies to the Willingham family!
Peter Schlesinger
October 20, 2015
I feel for you all, but he's not gone yet, because I can still hear him...
Becky and Larry Lougee
October 20, 2015
We were so sad to hear the news of Chris's passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Alan Blake
October 20, 2015
Fred,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Praying you are able to find solace in the many fond memories.
~Alan
David & Sara Gordon
October 20, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and with all of his family. Condolences.
paula main
October 20, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all I am so very sorry for your loss.
Christie Morrill
October 19, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this heartbreaking time. Xoxo
Fred Willingham
October 19, 2015
Chris you were a great father, a great brother and a great friend. I will miss you every day. I'll try to honor you by following your example.
My dad and I many many years back!
Ellery willingham
October 19, 2015
Allison Smith
October 18, 2015
To my beloved the Willingham family,
I am so sorry for the shockingly sudden, premature loss of such a kind, fun and intelligent brother, father, uncle, nephew. I always looked forward to seeing him at Thanksgiving. I admired Chris for many reasons, and he made this Earth a better place while he was here. My love to you all.
Kelly Camillone
October 18, 2015
Ellery, I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your beloved Father....Kirk and I send out deepest sympathies to you and the family.
Much Love to you!
Adam Smith
October 16, 2015
Chris loved life and lived life fully. Great man, great father, and great friend.
Jim Vachon
October 15, 2015
I really enjoyed Chris's company and will miss him tremendously. His natural curiosity and the zest that he had for life, the passion that he had for all things that interested him, and his wry sense of humor as well as his intellect all combined to make him a most unique individual. Ellery, I hope you know how much your Dad loved you. It was so apparent to anyone that knew him even a little bit. My condolences to all of the family.
October 15, 2015
Dear Sara,
My sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. I'll keep you close to my heart and hold you in the light.
Love,
Grace
Nary Eliz and Everett Nordstrom
October 14, 2015
As contemporaries of Christopher's mother, we send our deepest sympathy to Jane B. Willingham Smith and to his siblings, as well as the entire family.
October 14, 2015
So sorry to hear of Chris' passing. He certainly loved life and his family.
Jennifer Berry
Leigh Whittemore
October 14, 2015
A brilliant mind, a Dilbert persona, a working asset, an adventurer. He will be missed by many sad friends and family.
Hal
October 14, 2015
Chris was both a friend and a colleague. He was kind and generous with his time and his support. I will miss him! My sincere condolences to Chris's family. I'm very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rich Hohn
October 14, 2015
Many will miss Chris. He was a good friend. I will miss riding the harleys and skiing the woods at Jay, with him.
May he rest in Peace.
Janice Dutton
October 14, 2015
Sara, my heart hurts for you. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Leah and your family.
Gary & Nancy stewart
October 14, 2015
A lot of great memories of Chris will remain for a long, long time. We are deeply saddened for your loss.
Ellery Willingham
October 13, 2015
I love you dad.
October 13, 2015
Sara, so sorry for your loss my Star friend. God bless
Peggie Morris
Norm Greeley
October 13, 2015
So Shocked!! My sincere sympathy goes out to all. Chris was a great guy! He will be missed.
Sandra and Jim Adams
October 13, 2015
Dearest Sara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of your brother.
Charlie
October 13, 2015
Chris was a good man. Loved talking to him about his bike project. A love we both had for bikes. We all will miss him here at Liberty Mutual.
Mary Allard
October 13, 2015
My sincere sympathies, Sara. Take care.
Mary
Sue Lang
October 12, 2015
Sara and family, my condolences on the sudden loss of Christopher. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
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